Your Guide To Balancing Style & Practicality In The Workspace

Whether you’re looking to completely revamp your workspace or simply want to make a few modern updates, the designing process will need some careful consideration. To create an office that is productive and efficient, you’ll have to give some thought to how the space is used to ensure the working day runs as smoothly as possible. However, creating a functional environment doesn’t necessarily mean you should compromise on aesthetics. If you want to strike the perfect balance between practicality and style in the workplace, this simple guide should provide you with some useful suggestions. Office furniture The average office worker spends a large chunk of their day sitting at their desk, so it’s important to make sure that your furniture is up to scratch. If you want to get the most out of your employees, chairs and worktables need to be user-friendly. After all, uncomfortable and poor quality furnishings can stifle productivity and increase stress levels - both of which are bad news for your bottom line. To keep your workers happy and healthy, opt for high-quality, ergonomically designed workstations. If you want your furnishings to stand the test of time, make sure you choose hardwearing materials that can endure daily wear and tear and are easy to clean. You also need to think about the layout of your room when arranging your furniture and take into account the flow of traffic, as well as the positioning of windows and doors and power points. However, as well as practical considerations, you’ll no doubt want your furniture to look the part. When a client, visitor or employee walks through your door, your fittings and furnishings are likely to be one of the first things they notice, so it’s vital that they make the right impression. To reinforce your brand and project an air of success, try to opt for furniture designs that are befitting of your company’s image. For example, if you are a young, innovative firm, you may choose colourful chairs and modern table designs to convey a sense of high energy and creativity. A traditional business, on the other hand, may opt for more conventional furnishings to project a professional, formal look. Storage solutions Storage is an important consideration in terms of both practicality and the appearance of a space. Not only can clutter and mess be a distraction and physically slow you down, it can also have a negative impact on the overall look and feel of an office. There’s no reason why you have to opt for dull or plain storage solutions either. In fact, there are plenty of attractive and contemporary filing cabinets, bookcases and desk organisers available - and you don’t have to stop there. Don’t hesitate to get creative with hooks, baskets and open shelving to add personality and visual interest to your workspace while keeping it organised. If you’re short of space and want to streamline your surroundings, another great solution is workstations with built-in storage. Not only can these multi-functional pieces of furniture provide a handy place for your office supplies to remain within easy reach, but they also keep your office free from clutter without sacrificing valuable floor space. Don’t forget to use cable management solutions as well to keep electrical wires and cords out of the way. Décor A workplace that is sterile and bland can have a negative impact on worker morale. If you want to boost employee’s spirits and keep them working to the best of their ability, you need to provide them with stimulating surroundings that are both pleasing to the eye and reflect your company’s personality. However, don’t just think of décor in terms of aesthetics. Research has shown that certain colours can have a significant impact on our mood and alter the way in which we work. For example, bright, vibrant shades can be motivating and boost energy levels, while more muted colours can instill a feeling of calm and reduce stress. As your workers will be spending most of their day in the office, it’s crucial to choose a décor scheme that is inspiring and fits in with the vibe of the overall space. It’s also worth bearing in mind that some decorative items can have practical qualities too. For example, plants can add visual appeal to a workspace, but they can also improve air quality and even enhance concentration levels. Lighting There’s no point creating a stylish space if there’s not enough light to enjoy it. Lighting is one of the most important aspects of an effective interior design scheme and has many uses in the workplace. As well as allowing workers to carry out tasks safely, boosting alertness and reducing fatigue, effective illumination can help to set the mood and ambience of a space. While there is no rule as to which type of lighting is best for an office, a combination of overhead and task lighting is usually considered to be the most effective. Try to avoid fluorescent bulbs and opt for solutions that are less harsh, and make sure you optimise natural light as much as possible. This will help to show your surroundings in a more aesthetically pleasing way while also preventing headaches and eyestrain. It’s also important to ensure that any glare on computer screens is minimised. You may want to add some accent lighting, such as spotlights or picture lights, to highlight key areas and features. Of course, lighting in the workplace is not just about where it is positioned and what type of bulbs you use. When chosen correctly, it can transform the entire look of a room and enhance the overall design scheme. By bearing handy tips like these in mind, you should be able to create an office space that combines style and substance in equal measure. For more ideas on how you can create the perfect work environment, why not browse our impressive range of high-quality office furniture products and accessories? You shouldn’t struggle to find something to suit your individual needs, taste and budget.

June 23, 2016 | View: 486 | Categories: ROOT